First Fridays in Honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The
Heart of Jesus is the symbol of the infinite love that impelled the Son of God
to become our brother, to die for us on the Cross, and to remain forever in the
Sacrament of the Altar. Jesus asks each of us to return that love.
In various appearances to St.
Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus manifested His great love for human beings and
made the following promises to those who give particular honor to His Sacred
Heart:
"I will give them all the
graces necessary in their state of life."
"I will establish peace in
their homes."
"I will comfort them in
their afflictions."
"I will be their secure
refuge during life, and above all in death."
"I will bestow a large
blessing upon all their undertakings."
"Sinners shall find in My
Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy."
"Tepid souls shall grow
fervent."
"Fervent souls shall
quickly mount to high perfection."
"I will bless every place
where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored."
"I will give to priests the
gift of touching the most hardened hearts."
"Those who shall promote
this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be
blotted out."
"I promise thee in the
excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all
those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the
grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without
receiving the Sacraments; My Divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this
last moment."